Happy New Year 2026 — Lake Guntersville Fishing Report

A quick look at how the week played out on Lake Guntersville — plus what we’re watching as January gets rolling.

Book a Trip | Water Temps | Crappie Trips | Multi-Day Packages

Where the Lake Is Right Now

We’re kicking off 2026 with a week that showed exactly why Lake Guntersville keeps you honest — weather swings, shifting conditions, and fish that reward the angler who stays flexible. One thing we’ve liked is the consistency of the signals: bait in the right places, fish grouped better than they were, and a bite window that shows up each day.

If you like keeping up with the lake’s temperature trend, check the daily updates here: Lake Guntersville Water Temps. It’s a simple way to keep the week in context — especially when mornings and afternoons feel like two different seasons.

One of the best stories from the week came from Capt. Phillip’s trip with an international angler who traveled from Australia and drew two of the coldest days we’ve had in a bit. She stayed after it the whole time — and Phillip did what great guides do: kept the day moving, stayed on the right timing, and made sure every window counted. That’s a special trip and one we’ll remember.

Even with that “cold in your bones” kind of weather, the lake still gave opportunities. Phillip stayed steady, kept adjusting the pace, and kept them around the right water long enough for it to happen.

A Crappie Trip That Stuck Out

Phillip had a crappie trip that stood out for all the right reasons — a father and his two kids, a steady pace, and a cooler that looked like a real fish fry when it was over. Trips like that are what make this time of year special around here.

If you want to target slabs right now, this page is the best starting point: Lake Guntersville Crappie Fishing Guides.

Here’s one of Capt. Scott’s crappie trips that deserved a spot in the report. The size they stayed on through the trip was special — steady quality the whole way, and the kind of day people talk about for a long time.

The Lake’s Getting Into Its Groove

One thing we’ve been watching is how the fish are acting more “normal” even when the weather throws curveballs. When the lake gets to this point, the day-to-day swings stop feeling like a reset button and start feeling like something you can plan around — and that’s when the fishing can get more consistent.

Looking ahead, late January into February is where we start getting excited. February has its own timing on Lake Guntersville. March is a beast — everybody knows that — but if you can fish February, you can beat the crowd and still hit some of the best windows of the year.

New: Multi-Day Trips (With Built-In Savings)

We’re now offering multi-day guided fishing trips. If you’re traveling in, want multiple shots at the best windows, or you’re serious about learning the lake, this is the smartest way to book. You’ll save some money compared to booking days individually — it’s a straightforward discount that adds up when you stack days.

Multi-day options are here: Multi-Day Packages & Rates.

If you already know the dates you want, go straight to: Book Now.

Lodging Partners We Trust

Pairing the right lodging with the right fishing days matters. We’ve got lodging partners we trust — including options like the barndominium and Anglers Retreat — that are set up for anglers and early mornings.

Advanced Sonar & Fish-Finding Classes

Electronics matter more than ever — especially when fish group up and timing windows are everything. If you want to shorten the learning curve, Capt. Jim’s classes are here: Advanced Sonar & Fish-Finding Classes .

Fishing Forecast — First Full Week of January

The forecast is showing some unusually warm days (near 70°), which should make for very comfortable fishing. The big question is how the lake responds day-to-day with that kind of swing — and how long it holds.

One thing we do know: the bass have been gorging for a while, and they’re settling into areas where they can be easier to catch when you hit the timing right. Some days you won’t get a pile of bites — but the bites you do get can be the right ones. As we slide deeper into January and toward February, that’s when things can get even more interesting on the big-fish side.

Keep an eye on the temp trend here: Guntersville Water Temps.

Ready to Get Your Dates Locked In?

Start here: Book Now. For the multi-day options (and the savings), go here: Multi-Day Packages.